A synchronization method and apparatus defines event objects to enable synchronization of execution entities (e.g., threads). In one arrangement, the synchronization method and apparatus is used in conjunction with a Unix operating system. By defining event objects on which threads or other execution entities can wait upon, multiple threads can wait on one event, or alternatively, one thread can wait on multiple events. Furthermore, using the event-based synchronization method and apparatus, it is possible to specify behavior, particularly when one thread or other execution entity waits on multiple events. For example, the behavior specified can be that a condition is satisfied if any of the events occur, if all of the events occur, or some other logical combination of events occur.